Ricoh releases function-enhancing firmware update for GR Digital

On March 24 Ricoh will release firmware to improve GR Digital operability. The new functions are:(1) A new mode where the LCD screen does not light up when shooting: This is also convenient when using an external viewfinder. (2) Settings adjusted by the ADJ. dial or zoom button can be set by half-pressing the shutter release button. (3) The direction of rotation for adjusting aperture and shutter speed with the dial can be selected.Update: WIndows and Macintosh firmware updates are now online available...

Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Masamitsu Sakurai) announced today that it will release a function-enhancing firmware update for its popular GR DIGITAL* high-resolution compact digital camera on March 24.

* The GR DIGITAL is a high-end digital camera popular with pro photographers, high-end amateurs, and photo aficionados that achieves high resolution in a compact body. It does that through features such as a newly developed high-performance lens and a new image engine. The GR DIGITAL was first released October 21, 2005.

The new firmware improves GR DIGITAL operability, and can be downloaded free of charge from the Ricoh website.The following features are added to the GR DIGITAL by installing this firmware.

(1) A new mode where the LCD screen does not light up when shooting: This is also convenient when using an external viewfinder. (2) A function where settings adjusted by the ADJ. dial or zoom button can be set by half-pressing the shutter release button. (3) A function where the direction of rotation for adjusting aperture and shutter speed with the dial can be selected: This allows users to adjust the direction of rotation for operations to match other cameras they are familiar with.

Ricoh received numerous opinions and requests from customers through the GR BLOG and through questionnaire information provided at user registration in Japan.This function-enhancing firmware release is meant to meet those requests, increasing the satisfaction of current GR DIGITAL users. It will also make the camera more appealing to those who are looking to purchase a digital camera.Ricoh will continue to release function-enhancing firmware in the future, further improving the GR DIGITAL.